New software tied to Calif. agency's work backlog

SACRAMENTO - Workers at the California agency investigating discrimination claims say the speed and quality of their work has slowed because of flaws in a new state computer system that was designed to boost efficiency.

The Sacramento Bee reports Tuesday that investigators at the Department of Fair Employment and Housing say the new software doesn't fit the jobs they do and that computer glitches have led to delays in processing complaints.

The 15-month-old system, HoudiniEsq, was intended to automate the process for filing complaints for those who say they've been denied housing or jobs due to racial, gender, age or other types of discrimination.

Director Phyllis Cheng acknowledged that adapting her department to Houdini has been challenging, but she tells the newspaper her agency has turned its business around.